ces of all who are to be burdened.

We would say, in conclusion, that whatever may be the state of this
argument, it lies in a great degree with the proprietors in the
Highlands and Islands to avert the threatened evil, if they consider
it as such, by a gradual but entire change in the system of the
occupation of land. The great argument we have seen for an able-bodied
Poor Law is, that it compels the proprietary classes to keep down the
population by a feeling of self-interest. This object must, in some
way or other, be attained. Without harshness, without any sudden
removals, every opportunity must be sought of remodelling the plan of
small possessions, and the principle must be laid down and enforced,
that no one shall continue in the condition of a tenant who does not
occupy enough of ground to raise, at least, _an ample corn crop_ for
the support of his family. If the potato system continues,--if, after
the present calamity passes away, its lessons are forgotten, it is not
probable that the benevolence of the public would again be equally
liberal as it has now been, where the visitation was so sudden and
unexpected, and no clear or unequivocal warning of its approach had
previously been received.

We hope, however, for better things; and trust that the present crisis
will be duly improved, and will form a new era of prosperity and
increased civilisation and happiness for the Highlands and Islands of
Scotland.

FOOTNOTE:

[17] _Observations on the Famine of 1846-7 in the Highlands of
Scotland, and in Ireland, as illustrating the connexion of the
principle of population, with the management of the poor._ By W. P.
ALISON, M.D., &c.

_Printed by William Blackwood & Sons, Edinburgh_

End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume
62, Number 385. November, 1847., by Various

*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BLACKWOOD'S, NOVEMBER, 1847 ***

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